Cauterets

The weather in the mountains has been quite snowy so we decided that rather than going to the beach, this would be a great time to head into the Pyrénées National Park and take in the sights. We headed to Cauterets, a beautiful little village high in the mountains south of Lourdes. It was absolutely beautiful. Easily accessible without snow chains (hurrah!) and quaint and picturesque as you wind up into the mountains. We hung around the village centre and had a picnic in the playground before jumping on the gondola up to the ski-field.

After having boarded in NZ a few times (north and south islands) this was quite a different experience. The gondola station is right in the heart of the village so people just pour out of their hotels and straight up to the ski-field. No winding bus routes of terror here! The gondola ride was quite long - about fifteen minutes and William just took it all in his stride. The weather was stunning which made for incredible views from the top. It was William's first experience of snow, too. He wasn't sure what this white stuff was but was certainly very intrigued by it all.

There was never any intention for Iain and I to get out on the snow today. It was really just a reconnaissance mission but my God, it looked absolutely immense up there. Great wide runs, and small (or no) queues for the lifts. We will definitely be back!

 It all got a bit much for William though. He's used to getting straight to bed after his lunch so did well to keep going into the afternoon. When it's time to go, it's time to go.

LM.